Hairpiece retention device and system

ABSTRACT

A device attaches a hairpiece to a human head. The device includes 1.) a fixture implanted in the skull bone, 2.) a sleeve, defining a female receptacle extending from the fixture through the scalp for a distance equal to a thickness of the scalp, and 3.) a male connector attachable to a hairpiece at one end and receivable in the female receptacle at the other. The hairpiece is thus conveniently snap-fit onto the head of the user through the use of a plurality of these devices.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This invention relates to a device and system for retaining a hairpieceon a human head. More particularly, the invention is directed to adevice including an assembly partially implanted into the skull bonewhich receives a male connector attached to the hairpiece itself. Aplurality of these devices are arranged to retain a hairpiece at aplurality of points.

While the invention is particularly directed to the art of hairpieceretention, and will be thus described with specific reference thereto,it will be appreciated that the invention may have usefulness in otherfields and applications.

Hairpieces, or toupees, are commonly worn. However, a well recognizedproblem with hairpieces is a lack of reliable techniques for retainingthese items on the head of the user. Adhesives and weaves have been usedin attempts to secure hairpieces. For a variety of reasons, however,these techniques oftentimes fail and, thus, do not meet the expectationsof the user.

A variety of other mechanisms which anchor hairpieces to scalps havebeen contemplated. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 3,694,891 to Meyer isdirected to a hairpiece securing device comprised of 1.) an anchor whichis surgically imbedded in the scalp, partially under the aponeurosis,and 2.) an attachment piece which is removeably attached to the anchorby latching means. Additionally, U.S. Pat. No. 3,862,453 to Widdifield,U.S. Pat. No. 3,811,425 to Widdifield, U.S. Pat. No. 4,050,100 to Barry,and U.S. Pat. No. 4,265,246 to Barry, all describe hairpiece retentiontechniques incorporating some type of anchoring to the scalp.

Moreover, maxillofacial prostheses are known. Like conventionalhairpieces, the retention of maxillofacial prostheses has been a problemfor users thereof. Traditionally, various mechanical devices oradhesives systems have been used with varying success. Chief among theproblems is the weakening of the retentive mechanism during normalday-to-day activities. A further problem for both operator and patientis the time and manual dexterity required to apply the adhesive systemsand the restoration to the intended site. Furthermore, the use ofadhesives accelerates the wear and tear on the prostheses and shortensits effective life span.

Bone anchored craniofacial implants, although early in development, haveshown potential to reduce these problems. The general internationalexperience with craniofacial implants has been limited to sites on thehuman head where traditional maxillofacial prostheses have beenemployed. That is, bone anchored craniofacial implants have typicallybeen implanted in the mastoid process of the temporal bone,fronto-orbital region, and the nasal bones. One known commerciallyavailable craniofacial implant system is the Bud Implant System used inmaxillofacial prosthetic restorations.

A recent article, A. S. Pignataro, M. D. and N. G. Schaaf, D. D. S., "ANew Method of Hair Replacement using Osseointegrated Prostheses," TheAmerican Journal of Cosmetic Surgery, Vol. 11, No. 2 (1994), describes acraniofacial implant mechanism implanted into the skull bone to retain ahairpiece on the head of a user. The device described, however, uses animplant abutment which protrudes 1-2 millimeters above the scalp. A maleattachment is also fitted into the abutment so that a hairpiece can besecured to the head. A major disadvantage of this system is that theabutment, and, to a greater extent, the male portion protruding from theabutment, extends radially outwardly from the head. This extension isneither aesthetically pleasing nor safe.

The present invention contemplates a new and improved hairpieceretention device and system which resolves the above-referenceddifficulties and others.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A device for attaching a hairpiece to a human head is provided. Afixture is implanted in the skull bone. A sleeve, defining a femalereceptacle, extends from the fixture through the scalp for a distanceapproximately equal to the thickness of the scalp.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, a maleconnector, attachable to a hairpiece at one end and receivable in thefemale receptacle at the other, is used to attach the hairpiece to thehuman head.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, the sleevehas a groove disposed about an inner surface thereof which has an O-ringdisposed therein to retain the male connector when received in thesleeve.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, a fastener isdisposed through a cylinder in the sleeve and received in a channel ofthe fixture to connect the sleeve to the fixture.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the fixturecomprises a flange which prevents implantation of the fixture beyond apredetermined distance.

In accordance with another aspect of the invention, the sleeve andfixture are formed of titanium.

In accordance with another aspect in the invention, a hairpieceretention system comprises a hairpiece having attached thereto aplurality of male connectors and a plurality of corresponding implantassemblies implanted in the head.

In accordance with another aspect of the present invention, plugsresembling the scalp or hair, are provided to be inserted in the sleevesduring the time when a hairpiece is not being used.

One advantage of the present invention is that it provides longer, moreeffective retention through the use of an O-ring and male connector.

Another advantage of the present invention is the increased ease inapplication and removal of the hairpiece through simpler attachmenttechniques.

Another advantage of the present invention is that the fixture andsleeve do not protrude beyond the scalp surface.

Another advantage of the present invention is that when a hairpiece isnot being retained, plugs, resembling the scalp or hair, are insertedinto the sleeves for both aesthetic and hygienic reasons.

Still further advantages of the present invention will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading and understanding thefollowing detailed description of the preferred embodiments.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention exists in the construction, arrangement, andcombination of the various parts of the device, whereby the objectscontemplated are attained as hereinafter more fully set forth,specifically pointed out in the claims, and illustrated in theaccompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is a side cross-sectional view of the hairpiece retention deviceherein contemplated;

FIG. 2 is a top view of a human head incorporating the implantassemblies of the device of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a back elevational view of a hairpiece incorporating the maleconnectors of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 4 is a side view of a plug according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Referring now to the drawings wherein the showings are for purposes ofillustrating the preferred embodiments of the invention only, and notfor purposes of limiting same, FIG. 1 provides a view of a hairpieceretention device 10 used in a system to secure a hairpiece to a humanhead. As will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 and 3, a pluralityof devices 10 are utilized in the system.

The device 10 includes an implant assembly 12 which receives a maleconnector 14 attached to a hairpiece 16. The implant assembly 12 extendsfrom the skull bone 18 through the scalp 20 and terminates at the scalpsurface 22.

The implant assembly 12 comprises a fixture 24 which has a threadedportion 26, flange 28, and channel 30. The fixture 24 is implanted intothe skull bone 18 using known medical techniques. Typically, a CT scanis performed to determine whether sufficient bone material is present inthe head to bore a hole in the skull bone to place an implant. Once thehole is bored, the threaded portion 26, which is substantiallycylindrical and has a diameter of approximately 3.20 millimeters, isimplanted in the hole. The flange 28 is circumferentially disposed aboutan end of the fixture 24 to prevent intracranial penetration of thefixture. The fixture 24 is thus preferably only placed 3.50 millimetersinto the skull bone.

The channel 30 is provided to the fixture 24 on the same end as theflange 28. The channel 30 receives a fastener, as will be describedbelow.

The implant assembly 12 further includes an abutment sleeve 40 having afirst open cylindrical end 42 and a second closed cylindrical end 44.The first end 42 is approximately 5.5 millimeters in diameter while thesecond end 44 is approximately 4.5 millimeters in diameter. The sleeve40 also has a groove 46 disposed on an inner surface 52 thereof. Thegroove 46 retains an O-ring 48.

The first end 42 defines a female receptacle to receive the maleconnector 14. The second end 44 has bonded thereto a disk-like metalcylinder 50 to facilitate attachment to the fixture 24. The cylinder 50includes an aperture 54 and is bonded along its periphery to the innersurface 52.

The sleeve 40 is connected to the fixture 24 via a fastener, or screw,56. The fastener 56 preferably includes a hex head 56a adapted to accepta wrench driver (not shown), an enlarged portion 56b and a threadedportion 56c that extends through the aperture 54 of the cylinder 50 andis threadingly received into channel 30. Any suitable fastener may bealternatively used.

It is significant to emphasize that the combination of the sleeve 40 andthe fixture 24, as noted above, do not protrude beyond the scalpsurface. As a result, the user does not have any unnecessary abutment orstud extending from his/her head, which abutment or stud may causediscomfort or inconvenience to the user.

The male connector 14 includes a bulbous end 60 which cooperates withO-ring 48 so that the connector 14 is retained within the sleeve 40.More particularly, the end 60 is sized to allow it to engage the O-ringduring insertion, yet still pass through the O-ring 48 upon exertion ofsufficient force. This arrangement essentially provides a snap-fitbetween the sleeve/O-ring combination and the male connector. As isappreciated by those skilled in the art, the male connector 14 will beretained within the sleeve until such time as a force equivalent to theinsertion force is exerted on the connector 14 to remove it from thesleeve.

The opposite end 62 of the male connector 14 is bonded to the hairpiece16. Any suitable bonding technique may be used. Alternatively, thehairpiece can be connected to the male connector end 62 by other knowntechniques such as sewing, velcro use, etc.

Referring now to FIG. 2, a human head 70 is shown. The head 70 includesa bald area 72 which has disposed therearound a predetermined number ofimplant assemblies 12. The implant assemblies 12 are implanted in apredetermined pattern on the head 70. Both the number of assemblies 12implanted and the pattern thereof are determined by the needs of theuser and accepted medical and surgical protocols.

FIG. 3 shows the backside of the hairpiece 16 having a plurality of maleconnectors 14 bonded thereto. The male connectors 14 are positioned inan identical predetermined pattern as those of implant assemblies 12 inFIG. 2. One-to-one correspondence between the male connectors 14 andimplant assemblies 12, along with an identical pattern of placement,facilitates convenient attachment.

Referring now to FIG. 4, a plug 80 includes a male connector 14 having aswatch of imitation scalp material or replacement hair 82 attached toend 62. The plug 80 is inserted and snap-fit into the sleeve 40 when thehairpiece 16 is not being used. The female receptacle of sleeve 40 isthus camouflaged. The plug 80 also helps prevent any hygiene problemsbecause it does not allow dirt or other foreign material to enter thesleeve 40.

The plugs 80 are preferably used at all sites of a subassembly 12.Additionally, whether a swatch 82 includes hair or scalp materialdepends on the location of the corresponding implant assembly 12.

With respect to the material used, the sleeve 40 and fixture 24 arepreferably formed of commercially pure titanium. The O-ring 48 ispreferably silicone rubber. The male connector 14 is preferably moldedplastic. However, any of these materials may be substituted withmaterials that facilitate achieving the basic goals of the inventiondescribed herein.

The above description merely provides a disclosure of particularembodiments of the invention and is not intended for the purpose oflimiting the same thereto. As such, the invention is not limited to onlythe above described embodiments. Rather, it is recognized that oneskilled in the art could conceive alternative embodiments that fallwithin the scope of the invention.

Having thus described the invention, I claim:
 1. A device for attachinga hairpiece or swatch of replacement hair or skin to a human head havinga skull bone and a scalp, the device comprising:a fixture configured tobe implanted in the skull bone; a sleeve defining a female receptacleconfigured to extend from the fixture through the scalp for a distanceapproximately equal to a thickness of the scalp so that the sleeve doesnot protrude beyond the scalp; and a male connector configured to beattached to the hairpiece or swatch at one end and received in thefemale receptacle at another end to attach the hairpiece or swatch tothe human head.
 2. An apparatus adaptable to retain a hairpiece or aswatch of replacement hair or skin to a human head having a scalpcovering a skull bone, the apparatus adapted to be disposedsubstantially under the scalp and partially implanted in the skull bone,the apparatus comprising:a cylindrical sleeve having a groove disposedabout an inner surface thereof and a cylinder connected therein; anO-ring disposed in the groove; a fixture having a channel for receivinga fastener disposed through the cylinder and received in the channel toconnect the sleeve to the fixture; and, a connector having the hairpieceor swatch secured to one end, a second end of the connector beingreceivable within the sleeve and retained therein by the O-ring.
 3. Theapparatus as set forth in claim 2 further comprising a flange associatedwith the fixture.
 4. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein thesleeve extends radially from the skull bone and terminates at a surfaceof the scalp.
 5. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein thesleeve is formed of titanium.
 6. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2wherein the fixture is formed of titanium.
 7. The apparatus as set forthin claim 2 wherein the fixture is approximately 3.50 millimeters inlength.
 8. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the fastener isa screw.
 9. The apparatus as set forth in claim 2 wherein the connectoris a snap connector.
 10. A hairpiece retention device for retaining ahairpiece to a human head having a scalp and a skull bone, the devicecomprising:a cylindrical abutment sleeve having an inner surface and twoends, the inner surface having a groove formed therein and a first ofthe two ends having a disk-like cylinder with an aperture therein andbonded along its periphery to the inner surface of the sleeve; an O-ringdisposed in the groove; an implant fixture implantable in the skullbone, the fixture having a threaded retaining channel and a flange, theflange preventing the fixture from being implanted in the skull bonemore than a predetermined distance; a fastener extending through theaperture of the cylinder and threadingly received in the retainingchannel to connect the sleeve to the fixture so that the sleeve radiallyextends from the fixture and terminates at a second end thereof at asurface of the scalp; and, a male connector having a hairpiece securedto first end, a second end of the connector being receivable in a secondof the ends of the sleeve and retained in the sleeve by friction fitwith the O-ring.
 11. The device as set forth in claim 10 wherein thepredetermined distance is approximately 3.50 millimeters.
 12. The deviceas set forth in claim 10 wherein the sleeve is formed of titanium. 13.The device as set forth in claim 10 wherein the fixture is formed oftitanium.
 14. A combination comprising:a hairpiece having attachedthereto a plurality of male connectors; and, a plurality of implantassemblies corresponding to the plurality of male connectors, eachimplant assembly including,a sleeve having a female receptacle adaptedto receive a male connector and having a groove disposed about an innersurface thereof, an O-ring disposed in the groove to retain a receivedmale connector, a fixture implantable in the human skull bone; and, afastener connecting the sleeve to the fixture.
 15. The combination asset forth in claim 14 wherein the plurality of male connectors isarranged on the hairpiece in a predetermined pattern.
 16. Thecombination as set forth in claim 15 wherein the plurality of implantassemblies is implanted in the skull in the predetermined pattern. 17.The combination as set forth in claim 14 wherein one-to-onecorrespondence exists between male connectors and implant assemblies.